Wednesday April 17, 2019
My only previous trip to Arkansas included a too brief stop in Petit Jean State Park.(pr; Petty-jean) The park’s name comes from the legend of Petit Jean, an 18th century french woman. When she learned her fiancé was heading to the Louisiana Territory to explore, she cut her hair and gained passage masquerading as a cabin boy. Upon reaching America, she joined the expedition and revealed herself to her fiance. Shortly thereafter, she became ill and is buried on the mountain,
We only had time for the dash out to the Cedar Falls overlook, but not enough time for the hike down to the falls. This time, I had the whole day.
The park doesn’t open until 8A, so I had some time to watch the sunrise develop. Yeah, this is how I know I'm in for a good day.
The park was an easy half hour drive. Petit Jean’s gravesite is on a bluff overlooking the Arkansas River. This was my first stop.
The second stop involved a rocky, but short trail down to Rock House Cave. Based on the surveillance warnings and notifications of the graffiti penalties, I’m guessing that’s been a problem.
The Cedar Falls Overlook is at the end of a wooden walkway...
The hike down begins behind Mather Lodge, a twenty-eight room facility overlooking the canyon It’s one mile each way. Half is basically a series of stone staircases.
That gets you to the bridge. Don’t lean on the left handrail. It’s not exactly secure.
From here it’s an pretty easy half mile to the base of the falls.
Back at the bridge, you can return the way you came, or continue on the Canyon Trail. I took the trail about a half mile or so before turning back.
Back at the trailhead, I paused to cool down a bit. I had lunch at the lodge restaurant. Amie took good care of me and seated me with a nice view.
The sky had been changing shades of gray all day. I contemplated the Seven Hollow Trail. It’s a four and a half mile loop. Five if you do the Grotto Trail to the waterfall as well. I met someone who told me it’s basically a trickle of a waterfall. Instead, I decided to just to the 1.3 miles to the natural bridge, then turn back. Besides, I still had some driving to do.
Hwy 154 bisects the park. I took it to Hwy 155.
This was a little concerning...
My plan was to stop into the Holla Bend National Wildlife Refuge. I did pull in and was greeted with another long, gravel road. I looked at the clock and decided to continue on. Hwy 22 would eventually bring me to the town of Paris. Seen outside a local sports bar.
Just off the town square sits Paris’ own version of the Eiffel Tower.
My home for the night was the Paris Inn. Basic lodging, but very clean. The owners take good care of the property and it shows. It did feel a little weird to see cows as I unpacked the car.
Coming Up,
High Pointing in Arkansas
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